Is Shasta, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+. HAA5 was detected — within EPA limits, but worth understanding. Here's the full picture. What to do next ↓
96.4/100
waterverge.com Shasta, CA — Water Quality Report
Shasta's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,069 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Shasta's water
Shasta ranks #23 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 47.7 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, Shasta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Shasta has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shasta, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Shasta's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,069 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Shasta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shasta's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4308). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3248). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shasta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Elevated disinfection byproduct levels. These form when chlorine interacts with organic matter during water treatment.
Flood & environmental risk
Shasta County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Sacramento R A Keswick, Anderson-Cottonwood Id, Clear C Nr Igo.
Where does Shasta's water come from?
Shasta's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,069 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sacramento R A Keswick (river), Anderson-Cottonwood Id (river), Clear C Nr Igo (river).
What Shasta residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Shasta's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Shasta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shasta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
J.F. SHEA CONSTRUCTION INC. AGGREGATE PRODUCTS REDDING, CA96001 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
J.F. SHEA CONSTRUCTION INC FAWNDALE ROCK & ASPHALT REDDING, CA96002 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
KNAUF INSULATION INC. SHASTA LAKE, CA96019 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Shasta
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- IRON MOUNTAIN MINE6.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Shasta County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shasta compares by contaminant
Explore where Shasta ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shasta's water comes from
Shasta's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,069 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Shasta
Shasta is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Shasta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHASTA C.S.D. | CA4510013 | 3,069 | SW |
How Shasta compares
Full California rankings →Shasta's score of 96.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Shasta, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shasta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shasta
Frequently asked questions
Is Shasta, CA tap water safe to drink?
Shasta's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Shasta's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Shasta's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Shasta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shasta's water come from?
Shasta's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,069 residents.
How does Shasta's water compare to other cities?
Shasta ranks #23 out of 694 cities in California (better than 97% of state cities) and #186 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shasta's small water system affect quality?
Shasta's system serves approximately 3,069 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has maintained a clean compliance record.